A former college and university planning and facilities manager is the new director of the Historic Preservation Division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Marlin King succeeds Jim Woodrick, who became the new MDAH deputy state historic preservation officer in August.

Mississippians know Evelyn Gandy became the first woman elected to statewide constitutional office when she won the race for state treasurer in 1959. She went on to hold the offices of assistant attorney general, commissioner of public welfare, and in 1976 lieutenant governor. Gandy is one of many influential Mississippians who will be portrayed by reenactors at the Old Capitol Museum's Present Meets Past program on Thursday, October 25 at 5 p.m.

MDAH has awarded grants totaling more than $63,000 to ten preservation projects in Certified Local Government communities across the state. Amounts range from $1,250 for the development of an interactive website that interprets Boonville’s historic district to $12,500 to continue the rehabilitation of the Weinberg House in Greenville.

“Minnie Geddings Cox and the Indianola Affair, 1902-1904,” written by Shennette Garrett-Scott, an assistant professor of history and African American studies at the University of Mississippi, has been posted to the Mississippi History Now website.

Online Resources

The online catalog allows users to browse the descriptions of most materials at the state archives—from books and manuscripts to photographs and newspapers. This can be an especially useful tool for out-of-town researchers, allowing them to compile a list of relevant resources before traveling to the archives to work on their projects.

MDAH Digital Archives include electronic records received from government agencies and officials, donated and acquired electronic resources, digital copies of original materials from MDAH collections, including paper documents, photographs, maps, audio, and video.

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History collects, preserves, and provides access to the archival resources of the state, administers museums and historic sites, and oversees statewide programs for historic preservation, government records management, and publications. The department’s public outreach includes exhibits, programs and publications for teachers and students.

From the Delta to Jackson to Natchez, the department offers a variety of opportunities for students of all ages to explore Mississippi’s rich history. This guide is designed to help educators take advantage of the department’s resources, including field trips, classroom outreach programs, and teacher training.